🔧 Volkswagen Caddy 1.6 TDI 2018 - Stripped Air Filter Housing Screws: Safe to Drive?

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Thank you for the additional photo.

Looking at this image, there appears to be a small gap between the two sections of the air intake/air filter housing. The gap does not look very large, but it does suggest that some of the screws are no longer applying the proper clamping force.

I would not consider this an immediate danger, and the vehicle is probably safe to drive for now. However, I would not leave it like this for a long period of time. If the housing seal is no longer fully compressed, there is a possibility that small amounts of unfiltered air, dust, or dirt could bypass the air filter.

This could also explain why the engine sounds slightly louder or more aggressive during acceleration, as a small opening in the airbox can increase intake noise.

My recommendation would be to repair the damaged screw mounts as soon as practical. In many cases, the stripped plastic threads can be repaired without replacing the entire air filter housing by using threaded inserts, plastic-compatible epoxy repairs, or slightly larger screws if the plastic condition allows it.

Until the repair is completed, I would periodically check that the air filter housing remains properly seated and that the gap does not become larger.

For additional opinions from experienced mechanics and Volkswagen owners, you can also post your photos and question in the Entraide Mécanique Auto DZ community:

https://www.dzsmarteduc.com/fr/community/c/entraide-mecanique-auto-dz/

You may receive valuable feedback from members who have dealt with the same issue on a Volkswagen Caddy 1.6 TDI and can suggest practical repair solutions without replacing the complete air filter housing.